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LoudnessWizard

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One Algorithm to Rule Them All

The LoudnessWizard™ algorithm is the centerpiece in a
truly integrated loudness management solution. It handles most
loudness-related issues in a single, easy-to-use process. It
is versatile, flexible and organized in a way that makes operating
easy. Once it is configured, you can virtually leave it on its own
to work its wonders.

Automatic Loudness Control

Automatic Upconversion

Automatic Downmix

Lip-Sync Delay with Look-Ahead Capability

True-Peak Limiting

Automatic Detection of Input Signal (Mono, Stereo, 5.1)

Handling of Normalized and Non-normalized Content

LoudnessWizard™ Main Features

We’ve placed the parameters you’ll most use in the MAIN tab:

Format Conversion

Now you can select to UpMix, DownMix or simply pass audio thru the format conversion processor

Downmix Center

Auto Downmix applies a static gain to the Center channel – before delay, loudness control and truepeak limiting. Because the algorithm has a high internal headroom, there is no risk of overload if the parameter is set to 0 dB or even positive gain. Now you can emphasize Center channel content such as dialog.

Downmix Surround

When Auto Downmix is selected, this is the static gain applied to Surround channels before delay, loudness control and truepeak limiting. Because the algorithm has a high internal headroom, there is no risk of overload if the parameter is set to 0 dB or even positive gain. Now you can emphasize surround signal content such as audience and room sound.

Loudness Unit

Display Loudness Values using the unit LUFS or LKFS

True-peak limiter

Up-conversion active

Down-mix active

ALC section current gain

Up: Positive gain,
Down: Negative gain,
4 dB/div

Max Look-ahead

Loudness correction may ”look-ahead” of the signal, thereby allowing adjustment to start before e.g. a loud commercial. Look-ahead is never longer than Audio Delay, and it may be further restricted by this parameter.

Delay Unit

Choose between milliseconds and the frame rate that applies to your region (24, 25 and 30 fps)

Delay

Make live adjustments of AV sync without introducing clicks or pitch change. At “0” setting, the algorithm adds minimum latency, around 1 ms. You can have up to a 10 second delay for each channel in a 5.1 stem – giving you time to accomplish other processing tasks.

Loudness Correct

Apply your loudness correction to the signals you choose. For example, you can choose to loudness correct only when the format of the program is 5.1 – or only when it’s stereo.

Signal Flow

The LoudnessWizard™ offers a combination of all
transmission-related processes in one simple to use algorithm.

It automatically detects the input signal you pass through it.
For instance, if it receives a stereo signal and you have
pre-defined that all stereo signals should be upconverted to 5.1
surround, it will automatically do so.

Likewise, if the opposite should be the case, an incoming 5.1
signal will automatically be downmixed to stereo or mono depending
on your preferences, while matching input signals will remain
unconverted.

Basically, it takes away a task that usually has to be caried out
manually, and in combination with all of the other processes that
LoudnessWizard™ handles automatically, its combined arsenal of
tools will make your task list shorter.

Realtime Loudness Correction

ALC Tab

Subtle corrections to loudness can make a significant difference
to your viewers. Our LoudnessWizard™ is capable of doing just
that - correct substantially when needed, subtle when appropriate
and leave your audio absolutely un-touched when it's already
normalized.

Years of research and standardization work on loudness and
true-peak level has enabled us to design high-resolution,
low-latency loudness control algorithms such as LoudnessWizard™. In
broadcast, digitization is driving the number of AV channels and
platforms up, while the total number of viewers remains roughly the
same.

Using only a dialog-based level control principle has led to
ambiguous level management, more level jumps between programs, and
extra time spent on audio production and management in general.

Non-dialog based level jumps are currently creating havoc in
digital TV; and the ALC part of LoudnessWizard™ helps correct that
situation. For instance by utilizing the adaptive Stridency
Reduction parameter that brings overly loud content under tight
control, while leaving normal content untouched.

UpConversion

LoudnessWizard™ is also an
automatic, realtime 5.1 up-conversion audio processor. It
continuously monitors the format of the incoming audio. If the
signal falls back from a true 5.1 to stereo, it seamlessly
cross-fades into a convincing 5.1 surround up-conversion without
adding any interruptions or artifacts.

Detection does not require metadata or GPIs to function correctly,
and the processing delay is only 2.8 ms (less than 1/10th frame).
So, you don't need extra delays to maintain A/V sync.

DownConversion

Depending on your delivery platform, you may need to downmix.
This takes place at overload-proof 48 bit resolution and
transparent transcoding keeps the output perfectly conditioned for
mobile TV, iPod or IPTV.

You can even transcode a wide loudness range feature film
automatically on the fly at an impeccable audio quality.

True-Peak Limiting

Normalizing loudness based on 'perceived loudness' can lead to
peaks that might overload. To cope with this, True-Peak metering
and limiting is your last line of defence.

Loudness Website

Keeping track of the multitude of issues around
loudness can be a challenge. That's why we've created a one-stop
dedicated loudness website where you'll find critical information
on the most important issues.

The site is an answer to the highly relevant
question:"What Is Loudness, and Why Is It Important?"

In the Press

There's a reason that world-leading broadcast magazine regularly
invite us to share our knowledge: we've been pioneers in the
digital audio world since 1985.

We've taken part in research studies and the definition of
international broadcast standards right from the start, donating
technology which has become a crucial part in new, open
international standards.